South Sudanese government troops moved on Malakal from the north today driving opposition forces from the deserted city, according to the army spokesman. 

“After a battle with the forces of Riek Machar that happened over the last three days outside and inside Malakal city the forces of SPLA took control of Malakal city at about noon today,” said Col. Philip Aguer, spokesman of the army.

He explained that after fighting at Makal Shilluk two days ago, SPLA has attacked positions outside of the city, ending today with a battle inside the city resulting in its capture.

“SPLA now controls Malakal,” he said, “The rebels retreated away toward the east on the Nasser road.” He said there are not yet details on the number of casualties.

UN staff at their base in Malakal reported hearing sounds of gunfire and artillery throughout the afternoon as the battle raged. 

Commanders and spokesmen of the SPLM/A Opposition either could not be reached or declined to comment.

Aguer denied fighting today elsewhere in the state, saying, “In Upper Nile there were no other clashes other than the clashes inside and around Malakal over the last few days.”

But he also mentioned that Machar forces had tried to attack ‘petroleum areas’ in Guel Guk area but were repulsed, without saying when.

David Deng Gach Pal, spokesman of the self-declared military governor of Upper Nile State, told Radio Tamazuj yesterday that the opposition forces intend to claim the oil fields in the state.

“The Military Governor and Zonal Commander of Upper Nile State, Maj. Gen. Gathoth Gatkuoth Hothnyang said that protection of Oil field in Upper Nile State is the responsibility of SPLM/A-in-Opposition,” he reported.

He added that they objected to the proposed role of IGAD in defending ‘infrastructure’ in South Sudan, referring apparently to the presence of Ugandan forces at oil fields in the state and the proposed regional force authorized last week.

“Any attempt to deploy IGAD troops in Upper Nile State with out the consent of SPLM/A-in-Opposition leadership will be treated as an act of aggression and invasion and will face fierce armed resistance,” he said.

Photo: A tank on the outskirts of Malakal, 31 December 2013 (AP/Ben Curtis)